2 Corinthians 10:12-13 English Standard Version (ESV)
12 Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding. 13 But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you.
What do we know of the world outside of our limited travel? There is the travel channel. We can see foreign lands, sights and wonders. The animal channel allows us to see animals we might not ever see otherwise. Behaviors and social order is told to us from an observer’s point of view. It can be very entertaining, if that is your interest.
The comparing of social norms in entertainment gives the screenplay a sense of reality, even if it is wrong. In order to make money in that industry they have to compete with one another to draw the viewer into their realm of influence. Now we have television channels geared towards special interest such as cooking, travel, buying and selling of homes and jewelry.
When did influence turn into authority to tell you how to think? How did we stray so far from the word of God into a position of declaring sin to be acceptable? Sin is now glorified and simple murder isn’t entertaining enough, it has to become more violent. Video games glorify violence to the point that it has desensitized us to the point of acceptance.
What are our influences? Are they leading us to peace and harmony or to destruction?
It is not for me to politicize a devotional, only to warn readers to be careful about influences in our lives.
A Christian’s Godly behavior and language should influence those around us to inquire about this God we serve.
As a child my family was not a godly influence. God found others to influence me.
Now is our time to be influential.